Humoral immunity to pertussis among mother-baby dyads

Introduction. Infants younger than 3 months old are at high risk of severe pertussis, complications and pertussis-associated mortality. Newborns receive protection against pertussis from maternal antibodies transferred predominantly during late pregnancy. Neither disease, nor vaccination provides lifelong immunity against pertussis. So most of women have low antibody concentrations, leaving their newborn infant at a higher risk for disease in the first months of life.The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of antibodies against Вordetella pertussis among mother-baby dyads.Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study including 119 mother-baby dyads. Maternal antibodies were measured in venous blood specimens during the last trimester of pregnancy for women and in cord blood for newborn infants.Results. The median age was 30 (25; 34) years. The half of participants had unknown vaccination status (49,6%). Only 12,6% had a protective level (>18 U/mL) of anti-pertussis antibodies, 74,8% of participants had a nonprotective (<14 U/mL) level and 12,6% had an equivocal (14–18 U/mL) antibody concentrations. All newborns of seropositive women and 11,5% infants of women with an equivocal titers receive protection against pertussis. Transplacental transport ratio of antibodies against pertussis was higher in newborns of seropositive women.Conclusion. We revealed a huge proportion of pregnant women (87,4%) and newborns (77,3%) susceptible to pertussis. Maternal antibody level against pertussis was the major predictor of the antibody level in the infant.

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Can Cytokines be used as an Activation Marker in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871530320666201019115030 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Fatih Öner Kaya ◽

Yeşim Ceylaner ◽

Belkız Öngen İpek ◽

Zeynep Güneş Özünal ◽

Gülbüz Sezgin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Healthy Volunteers ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Joint Disease ◽

Control Group ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Positive Correlation ◽

Das 28 ◽

Tnf Α

Aims: The etiopathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is not clearly understood. However, the role of the cytokines takes an important part in this mechanism. We aimed to bring a new approach to the concept of 'remission' in patients with RA. Background: RA is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease that involves small joints in the form of symmetrical polyarthritis and progresses with exacerbations and remissions. Pain, swelling, tenderness and morning stiffness are typical of the joints involved. Although it is approached as a primary joint disease, a wide variety of extra-articular involvements may also occur. It is an interesting pathophysiological process, the exact cause of which is still unknown, with many environmental, genetic and potentially undiscovered possible factors in a chaotic manner. Objective: In this cross-sectional study, sedimentation rate (ESR), C- Reactive protein (CRP), Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, soluble-TNF-α receptor (TNF-R), Interleukin (IL)-1B and IL-10 were measured in three groups which were healthy volunteers, patients with RA in the active period, and patients with RA in remission. Disease activity score-28 (DAS-28) was calculated in active RA and RA in remission. Methods: This study included 20 healthy volunteers, 20 remission patients with RA and 20 active RA patients. Venous blood samples were collected from patients in both healthy and RA groups. Results: RA group consisted 43 (71.6%) female and 17 (28.4%) male. Control group consisted 11 (55%) female and 9 (45%) male. TNF-R was significantly high only in the active group according to the healthy group (p=0.002). IL-10 was significantly high in active RA according to RA in remission (p=0.03). DAS-28 was significantly high in active RA according to RA in remission (p=0.001). In the active RA group, ESR and TNF-R had a positive correlation (r:0.442; p=0.048). In the active RA group, there was also a positive correlation between TNF-R and CRP (r:0.621; p=0,003). Both healthy and active RA group had significant positive correlation between ESR and CRP (r: 0.481; p=0.032 and r: 0,697; p=0,001 respectively). Conclusion: TNF-R can be the main pathophysiological factor and a marker showing activation. TNF-R can be very important in revealing the effect of TNF on the disease and the value of this effect in the treatment and ensuring the follow-up of the disease with CRP instead of ESR in activation.

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SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and asymptomatic viral carriage in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

Thorax ◽

10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215414 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 75 (12) ◽

pp. 1089-1094 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Adrian Shields ◽

Sian E Faustini ◽

Marisol Perez-Toledo ◽

Sian Jossi ◽

Erin Aldera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Sectional Study ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

General Internal ◽

Increased Risk

ObjectiveTo determine the rates of asymptomatic viral carriage and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers.DesignA cross-sectional study of asymptomatic healthcare workers undertaken on 24/25 April 2020.SettingUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), UK.Participants545 asymptomatic healthcare workers were recruited while at work. Participants were invited to participate via the UHBFT social media. Exclusion criteria included current symptoms consistent with COVID-19. No potential participants were excluded.InterventionParticipants volunteered a nasopharyngeal swab and a venous blood sample that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein antibodies, respectively. Results were interpreted in the context of prior illnesses and the hospital departments in which participants worked.Main outcome measureProportion of participants demonstrating infection and positive SARS-CoV-2 serology.ResultsThe point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 viral carriage was 2.4% (n=13/545). The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 24.4% (n=126/516). Participants who reported prior symptomatic illness had higher seroprevalence (37.5% vs 17.1%, χ2=21.1034, p<0.0001) and quantitatively greater antibody responses than those who had remained asymptomatic. Seroprevalence was greatest among those working in housekeeping (34.5%), acute medicine (33.3%) and general internal medicine (30.3%), with lower rates observed in participants working in intensive care (14.8%). BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) ethnicity was associated with a significantly increased risk of seropositivity (OR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.23, p=0.01). Working on the intensive care unit was associated with a significantly lower risk of seropositivity compared with working in other areas of the hospital (OR: 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.78, p=0.02).Conclusions and relevanceWe identify differences in the occupational risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 between hospital departments and confirm asymptomatic seroconversion occurs in healthcare workers. Further investigation of these observations is required to inform future infection control and occupational health practices.

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Elevated alanine aminotransferase and low aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio are associated with chronic kidney disease among middle-aged women: a cross-sectional study

BMC Nephrology ◽

10.1186/s12882-020-02144-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hirotaka Ochiai ◽

Takako Shirasawa ◽

Takahiko Yoshimoto ◽

Satsue Nagahama ◽

Akihiro Watanabe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Aspartate Aminotransferase ◽

Alanine Aminotransferase ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

Relationship Of

Abstract Background Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to ALT ratio (AST/ALT ratio) have been shown to be related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or insulin resistance, which was associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is unclear whether ALT and AST/ALT ratio are associated with CKD. In this study, we examined the relationship of ALT and AST/ALT ratio to CKD among middle-aged females in Japan. Methods The present study included 29,133 women aged 40 to 64 years who had an annual health checkup in Japan during April 2013 to March 2014. Venous blood samples were collected to measure ALT, AST, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and creatinine levels. In accordance with previous studies, ALT > 40 U/L and GGT > 50 U/L were determined as elevated, AST/ALT ratio < 1 was regarded as low, and CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or proteinuria. Logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for CKD. Results “Elevated ALT and elevated GGT” and “elevated ALT and non-elevated GGT” significantly increased the OR for CKD when compared with “non-elevated ALT and non-elevated GGT” (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 2.10–3.12 and OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.81–2.77). Compared with “AST/ALT ratio ≥ 1 and non-elevated GGT”, “AST/ALT ratio < 1 and elevated GGT” and “AST/ALT ratio < 1 and non-elevated GGT” significantly increased the OR for CKD (OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 2.36–3.15 and OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.52–1.87). These findings still remained after adjustment for confounders. Conclusions Elevated ALT was associated with CKD regardless of GGT elevation. Moreover, low AST/ALT ratio was also associated with CKD independent of GGT elevation.

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Comparison of capillary, venous and buffy coat blood samples in detecting Plasmodium species among malaria suspected patients attending at Hamusite health center. A cross-sectional study

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-06290-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Getu Abeje ◽

Woyneshet Gelaye ◽

Getaneh Alemu

Keyword(s):

Health Center ◽

Detection Rate ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Buffy Coat ◽

Blood Film ◽

Capillary Blood ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Blood Samples

Abstract Background Both capillary and venous blood samples have been interchangeably used for the diagnosis of malaria in Ethiopia. However, Plasmodium parasites are thought to be more concentrated in capillary than in venous blood. Hence, selecting a sample source where parasites are more concentrated is indispensable approach in order to maximize the accuracy of blood film microscopy. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the detection rate and the parasitemia level of Plasmodium species from conventional capillary and venous blood films, and buffy coat preparations. Methods A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from Feburary to March 2020 among 210 febrile patients attending Hamusite health center, northwest Ethiopia. Capillary and venous blood samples were collected and buffy coat was prepared from each sample. Thin and thick blood films were prepared, stained, and examined microscopically following standard protocol. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software version 20 and Med-Calc software version 19.3. Results Capillary blood buffy coat (61/210, 29.0%) had significantly higher detection rate as compared to capillary (48/210, 22.9%) and venous (42/210, 20.0%) blood films (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between capillary and venous blood films (p = 0.070) in detecting Plasmodium species. The highest and the lowest mean asexual stage parasite counts were found in capillary blood buffy coat (4692.88) and venous blood (631.43) films, respectively showing significant variations (p < 0.001). Mean gametocyte count was also highest in capillary blood buffy coat (3958.44). As compared to capillary blood buffy coat, the sensitivity of venous blood buffy coat, capillary blood film and venous blood film were 73.8, 78.7, 68.9%, respectively. Conclusion Capillary blood buffy coat samples showed the highest sensitivity in detecting and quantitating malaria parasites that its use should be promoted in clinical settings. However, conventional capillary and venous blood films could be used interchangeably.

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Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection at the University of Barcelona during the Third COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in Spain

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18126526 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 6526

Author(s):

Sebastián Videla ◽

Aurema Otero ◽

Sara Martí ◽

M. Ángeles Domínguez ◽

Nuria Fabrellas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ad Hoc ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Igg Antibody ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Total Prevalence ◽

The University ◽

The Impact

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic started in December 2019 and still is a major global health challenge. Lockdown measures and social distancing sparked a global shift towards online learning, which deeply impacted universities’ daily life, and the University of Barcelona (UB) was not an exception. Accordingly, we aimed to determine the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at the UB. To that end, we performed a cross-sectional study on a sample of 2784 UB members (n = 52,529). Participants answered a brief, ad hoc, online epidemiological questionnaire and provided a nasal swab for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) SARS-CoV-2 analysis and a venous blood sample for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody assay. Total prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive RT-PCR or positive IgG) was 14.9% (95%CI 13.3 to 17.0%). Forty-four participants (1.6%, 95%CI: 1.2–2.1%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. IgG against SARS-CoV-2 was observed in 12.8% (95%CI: 11.6–14.1%) of participants. Overall, while waiting for population vaccination and/or increased herd immunity, we should concentrate on identifying and isolating new cases and their contacts.

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Parathyroid Hormone in Pregnancy: Vitamin D and Other Determinants

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13020360 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 360

Author(s):

Ola Hysaj ◽

Patricia Marqués-Gallego ◽

Aline Richard ◽

Magdeldin Elgizouli ◽

Alexandra Nieters ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Parathyroid Hormone ◽

Inflection Point ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Late Pregnancy ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

25 Hydroxy Vitamin D ◽

Maximal Suppression

We aimed to assess the parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration in pregnant women at the beginning of pregnancy (1st trimester) and within days before delivery (3rd trimester) and evaluate its determinants. From September 2014 through December 2015 in a cross-sectional study, 204 women in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and 203 women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy were recruited. Blood samples were collected to measure PTH and circulating 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations. Lifestyle and demographic data were collected using a questionnaire. Serum 25(OH)D and PTH were inversely correlated in both early and late pregnancy. Our analyses suggest that in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, a 25(OH)D level of 18.9 ng/mL (47.3 nmol/L) could serve as an inflection point for the maximal suppression of PTH. Statistically significant determinants of PTH concentrations in multiple regression were 25(OH)D concentrations, season, multiparity and education of the partner (all p < 0.05) in early pregnancy. In late pregnancy, 25(OH)D concentrations and country of origin were statistically significant determinants of PTH concentrations (all p < 0.05). These factors and their effect on PTH appear to be vastly determined by 25(OH)D; however, they might also affect PTH through other mechanisms besides 25(OH)D.

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Feasibility and Success of Hiv Point-of-Care Testing in an Emergency Department in an Urban Canadian Setting

Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology ◽

10.1155/2013/164797 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 27-31 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Marissa L Becker ◽

Laura H Thompson ◽

Carla Pindera ◽

Natalie Bridger ◽

Carmen Lopez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Hiv Testing ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Post Test ◽

Centre Hospital

BACKGROUND: Approximately 26% of Canadians living with HIV are unaware of their status. Point-of-care (POC) HIV tests have been introduced to simplify and expand HIV testing.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of POC testing in an emergency department (ED) setting in Winnipeg, Manitoba.METHODS: A cross-sectional study of unselected adults presenting to the ED at the Health Sciences Centre Hospital (Winnipeg, Manitoba) was performed. Study procedures included pre- and post-test counselling, administration of the INSTI HIV-1/HIV-2 Antibody Test (bioLytical Laboratories, Canada) and a brief questionnaire. Venous blood samples were collected from participants for confirmatory testing on all reactive and indeterminate specimens.RESULTS: In total, 501 adults participated in the study. The majority of participants were younger than 40 years of age, approximately one-half (48.5%) were women and 53% self-identified as Aboriginal. Nearly one-half (49.1%) of the participants had undergone previous HIV testing, although 63% of these tests were performed more than a year earlier. A total of seven individuals tested reactive with the POC test, all of whom were confirmed positive using serological testing (1.4%) and were linked to an HIV specialist within 24 h. Nearly all of the participants (96%) reported satisfaction with the test and believed it belonged in the ED (93%).CONCLUSIONS: Of the participants tested, 1.4% tested reactive for HIV, which is significantly higher than the reported prevalence in Manitoba and in other similar studies conducted in North America. Furthermore, all individuals were linked to timely care. The present study demonstrated that this particular busy tertiary care ED is an important and feasible location for HIV POC testing.

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Bacterial enteric pathogens and serum interleukin-6 levels in children with acute diarrhea

Paediatrica Indonesiana ◽

10.14238/pi56.3.2016.144-8 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 56 (3) ◽

pp. 144

Author(s):

Herlina Herlina ◽

Jeanette Irene Manoppo ◽

Adrian Umboh

Keyword(s):

Acute Diarrhea ◽

Interleukin 6 ◽

Acute Phase Proteins ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Enteric Pathogens ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Wide Range ◽

Bacterial Gastroenteritis ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Blood Specimens

Background Acute diarrhea is currently one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. A wide range of enteric pathogens, including bacteria, is responsible for the pathogenesis of acute infectious diarrhea. Recent studies have shown an increase in acute phase proteins, such as serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, in patients with acute bacterial gastroenteritis. Thus, IL-6 may be a useful marker to differentiate bacterial from non-bacterial enteric pathogens.Objective To assess for a correlation between bacterial enteric pathogens and serum IL-6 levels in children with acute diarrhea.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from November 2013 to March 2014 in two hospitals in Manado. Subjects were children aged 1-5 years with acute diarrhea and good nutritional status. Subjects’ provided stool samples for bacterial culture and microscopic examination, as well as blood specimens for serum IL-6 measurements. Data was analyzed by linear regression and Pearson’s correlation tests for a correlation between bacterial enteric pathogens and serum IL-6 levels.Results In children with acute diarrhea, those with bacterial enteric pathogens had significantly higher mean serum IL-6 than those with non-bacterial enteric pathogens (r = 0.938; P < 0.001).Conclusion Serum IL-6 levels are significantly more elevated in children with acute diarrhea and bacterial enteric pathogens. Therefore, serum IL-6 may be a useful marker for early identification of bacterial gastroenteritis in children aged 1-5 years. [Paediatr Indones. 2016;56:144-8.].

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Prevalence of serological markers for hepatitis and potential associated factors in patients with diabetes mellitus

Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/1518-8345.2774.3085 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Clarissa Cordeiro Alves Arrelias ◽

Fernando Belissimo Rodrigues ◽

Maria Teresa da Costa Gonçalves Torquato ◽

Carla Regina de Souza Teixeira ◽

Flávia Fernanda Luchetti Rodrigues ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Virus Infection ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Blood Collection ◽

Serological Markers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Patients With Diabetes

ABSTRACT Objective: to estimate the prevalence of serological markers for hepatitis B and C in patients with diabetes mellitus and analyze potential associated factors. Method: a cross-sectional study with 255 patients with diabetes mellitus. Demographic, clinical, and risk behavior factors for hepatitis B and C were selected. The markers HBsAg, Anti-HBc IgG, Anti-HBc IgM, Anti-HBs, and Anti-HCV were investigated. A questionnaire and venous blood collection and inferential statistical analysis were used. Results: 16.8% of the patients had a total reactive Anti-HBc marker, 8.2% an isolated Anti-HBs, and 75% were non-reactive for all hepatitis B markers. No case of reactive HBsAg was found and 3.3% of the patients had a reactive anti-HCV marker. The prevalence of prior hepatitis B virus infection was directly associated with the time of diabetes mellitus and the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection was not associated with the investigated variables. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C infection in patients with diabetes mellitus was higher when compared to the national, with values of 16.8% and 3.3%, respectively. Conclusion: the results suggest that patients with diabetes are a population of higher vulnerability to hepatitis B and C, leading to the adoption of preventive measures of their occurrence.

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Association between serum magnesium and obesity in postmenopausal women

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ◽

10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20183662 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (9) ◽

pp. 3156

Author(s):

Alka Yadav ◽

Madhuri Gupta ◽

R. C. Gupta

Keyword(s):

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Magnesium Deficiency ◽

Serum Magnesium ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Magnesium Concentration ◽

Control Group ◽

Excess Body Weight ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dietary History

Background: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition in which excess body weight may put a female at risk of serious health problems such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Magnesium deficiency is reported to be associated with obesity in children and adolescents. An inverse relationship has been reported between serum magnesium and estrogen levels in women. It is not known whether magnesium deficiency may have a role in genesis of obesity in women after menopause. Therefore, the present study was planned to compare serum magnesium levels in obese and non-obese postmenopausal women and to find out the relationship, if any, between serum magnesium levels and obesity.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry at National Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Jaipur, Rajasthan on fifty subjects over a period of six months. Twenty-five obese postmenopausal women (BMI ≥ 30) having their final menstrual period at least one year prior to the study were taken as the study group and twenty-five non-obese (BMI ≤ 22.9) post-menopausal women were taken as control group. All subjects were asked to give detailed dietary history using Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Venous blood samples were collected after an overnight fast for estimation of serum total magnesium in all subjects.Results: Obese postmenopausal women had significantly higher weight (78.36±0.064kg) and BMI (32.68±1.7kg/mt2) compared to non-obese postmenopausal women (wt. 54.72±4.80kg and BMI 21.75±1.68kg/mt2). The mean±SD serum magnesium concentration found in the obese postmenopausal women was 1.40±0.45mg/dl as compared to 2.03±0.49 mg/dl in the non-obese group. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a significant (r = -0.9) negative correlation between BMI and serum magnesium in postmenopausal women.Conclusions: Serum magnesium was lower in obese postmenopausal women as compared to that in non-obese postmenopausal women. Serum magnesium was negatively correlated with BMI. Magnesium supplementation may be useful in prevention of obesity after menopause.

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